Wrap-around carton with dispensing feature

ABSTRACT

A wrap-around article carrier has a plurality of tuck-in flaps and gussets to restrain the articles the carrier is designed to carry from falling out of the carrier. The carrier further comprises a dispensing feature, which once removed allows the articles in the carrier to be dispensed in a controlled manner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/657,133, filed Feb. 28, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Application No.60/683,612, filed May 23, 2005, both of which are entirely incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Generally described, a wrap-around carrier is conventionally formed bywrapping a carrier blank around a set of containers, and connectingopposite ends of the blank to one another with adhesive material ormechanical locks. A conventional wrap-around carrier is typicallyseparated at the connected blank ends, or portions of the carrier aretorn at the ends of the carrier, to allow removal of the containers heldwithin the carrier. Such conventional wrap-around carriers typically donot have a dispensing feature that is defined where containers containedin the carrier can be dispensed in a controlled manner. As a result,conventional wrap-around carriers suffer from the disadvantage that onceopen, they can no longer hold containers or the overall integrity of thecarrier is compromised.

There is therefore a need for wrap-around carriers that have dispensingfeatures. More generally described, there is a need for wrap-aroundcarriers that provide a new balance of properties.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect, the present invention generally relatesto a wrap-around article carrier with tuck-in flaps, gussets and adispensing feature. The carrier generally is held together by a lockingsystem and accommodates a plurality of containers to form a carrierpackage. The tuck-in flaps and gussets are proximate on the open ends ofthe wrap-around article carrier to retain the articles securely insidethe carrier package and to allow information printed on the articlessuch as product information, brand information, logos, and otherinformation to be viewed by potential customers. In addition, thecarrier package may occupy less area than conventional carrier packages.In accordance with one example, when dispensing is desired, the carrierpackage is placed on its side panel and the dispensing feature isremoved from the carrier package to form an opening from which articlesare dispensed. The integrity of the carrier is substantially preservedafter the dispensing feature is removed. Further, the remaining tuck-inflaps and gussets can help to retain the articles inside the carrierpackage so the articles can be dispensed in a controlled fashion afterthe removal of the dispensing feature.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the wrap-around carrierpackage is constructed by engaging primary or secondary locks. Inanother embodiment of the present invention, the wrap-around carrierpackage is constructed by engaging primary or secondary locks with adivider guard feature to further restrain the articles within thecarrier from falling out of the carrier.

In one aspect of the present invention, the wrap-around carrier inaddition has push-in tabs on its rear end to further restrain thearticles within the carrier from falling out of the carrier. In anotheraspect of the present invention, the wrap-around carrier furthercomprises a drop down gusset on its rear end to further restrain thearticles within the carrier from falling out of the carrier. The dropdown gusset provides an additional area for printed information or thelike.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages andother advantages and benefits of various additional aspects reading thefollowing detailed description of the embodiments with reference to thebelow-listed drawing figures.

According to common practice, the various features of the drawingsdiscussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions ofvarious features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reducedto more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank used to form a wrap-around carrierpackage having a dispensing feature according to a first embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 2-3 are perspective views of loading and partial erection of thefirst carrier package embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the erected first carrier package embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the first carrier package embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the first carrier package embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the first carrier packageembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the first carrier packageembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first carrier package embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a user opening the dispensing feature of the firstcarrier package embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a user further opening the dispensing feature of thefirst carrier package embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates the first carrier package embodiment with itsdispensing feature removed.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a blank used to form a wrap-around carrierpackage having a dispensing feature according to a second embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a blank used to form a wrap-around carrierpackage having a dispensing feature according to a third embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the third carrier package embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a front view of the third carrier package embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a rear view of the third carrier package embodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates the third carrier package embodiment with itsdispensing feature removed.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of a blank used to form a wrap-around carrierpackage having a dispensing feature according to a fourth embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 20 is a rear view of the fourth carrier package embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the fourth carrier package embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective view of the fourth carrier packageembodiment.

FIG. 23 illustrates the fourth carrier package embodiment with itsdispensing feature removed.

FIG. 24 is a plan view of a blank used to form a wrap-around carrierpackage having a dispensing feature according to a fifth embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 25 is a rear view of the fifth carrier package embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the fifth carrier package embodiment.

FIG. 27 illustrates the fifth carrier package embodiment with itsdispensing feature removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank 8 used to form a carrier package 150(illustrated in FIGS. 4-12) according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention. The blank 8 comprises a first or inner bottom panel30 foldably connected to a first side panel 50 at a fold line 33, a toppanel 20 foldably connected to the first side panel 50 at a fold line25, a second side panel 60 foldably connected to the top panel 20 at afold line 29, and a second or outer bottom panel 40 foldably connectedto the second side panel 60 at a fold line 45. Overall, the blank 8 isgenerally rectangular in shape. The exterior or print side of the blank8 is illustrated in FIG. 1, whereas the interior side of the blank ispartially shown in FIGS. 2-3.

The top panel 20 has a generally rectangular shape with truncatedcorners and curved cut outs 21 a, 21 b. The curved cut outs 21 a, 21 bcan be shaped and sized so that the top panel 20 generally conforms toshapes of the containers C held within the finished carrier package 150(FIG. 7).

The inner bottom panel 30 includes cut outs forming primary femalelocking edges 38 a, 38 b, 38 c that are adapted to respectively engageprimary male locking tabs 48 a, 48 b, 48 c of the outer bottom panel 40.The inner bottom panel 30 also includes slits 32 a, 32 b, 32 c adaptedto respectively receive secondary male locking flaps 42 a, 42 b, 42 cextending from the outer bottom panel 40. The outer bottom panel 40includes a fold line 47 which is interrupted by the slits that definethe primary male locking tabs 48 a, 48 b, 48 c. The secondary malelocking flaps 42 a, 42 b, 42 c are connected along the interrupted foldline 47 and each flap includes an intermediate fold line 43 a-c.Although the locking elements are illustrated to demonstrate a typicalbottom panel locking arrangement suitable for use with the carrierpackage of the present invention, it should be understood that anydesired form of bottom panel locking means may be employed. For example,glue or other adhesive material, or other suitable fastening means, maybe used to secure the bottom panels 30, 40 together. For example, adescription of an alternative locking system is discussed below withreference to FIG. 14.

A first front tuck-in panel 52 a is foldably connected to the front endof the first side panel 50 at a fold line 51 a. A first rear tuck-inpanel 52 b is foldably connected to the rear end of the first side panel50 at a fold line 51 b. A second front tuck-in panel 62 a is foldablyconnected to the front end of the second side panel 60 at a fold line 61a. A second rear tuck-in panel 62 b is foldably connected to the rearend of the second side panel 60 at a fold line 61 b.

A first front retaining panel 56 a is foldably connected to a rightfront truncated corner of the inner bottom panel 30 at a fold line 53 a,and to the first front tuck-in panel 52 a at a fold line 55 a. A firstrear retaining panel 56 b is foldably connected to a right reartruncated corner of the inner bottom panel 30 at a fold line 53 b, andto the first rear tuck-in panel 52 b at a fold line 55 b. A second frontretaining panel 54 a is foldably connected to the first front tuck-inpanel 52 a at a fold line 57 a, and to a left front truncated corner ofthe top panel 20 at a fold line 59 a. A second rear retaining panel 54 bis foldably connected to the first rear tuck-in panel 52 b at a foldline 57 b, and to a left rear truncated corner of the top panel 20 at afold line 59 b.

A third front retaining panel 64 a is foldably connected to a rightfront truncated corner of the top panel 20 at a fold line 63 a, and tothe second front tuck-in panel 62 a at a fold line 65 a. A third rearretaining panel 64 b is foldably connected to a right rear truncatedcorner of the top panel 20 at a fold line 63 b, and to the second reartuck-in panel 62 b at a fold line 65 b. A fourth front retaining panel66 a is foldably connected to the second front tuck-in panel 62 a at afold line 67 a, and to a left front truncated corner of the outer bottompanel 40 at a fold line 69 a. A fourth rear retaining panel 66 b isfoldably connected to the second rear tuck-in panel 62 b at a fold line67 b and to a left rear truncated corner of the outer bottom panel 40 ata fold line 69 b.

One or more of the fold lines 55 a, 57 a, 55 b, 57 b, 65 a, 67 a, 65 b,67 b may include, for example, one or more slits. The slits may extendto the respective edges of the blank 8 to facilitate folding of thetuck-in panels.

According to one exemplary aspect of the invention, a dispenser pattern100 is defined in the blank 8. The dispenser pattern 100 may be definedby tear lines 71 and 75. The illustrated dispenser pattern 100 extendsacross a portion of each of the top panel 20, the second side panel 60and the outer bottom panel 40 proximate the front end of the blank 8.The dispenser pattern 100 defines a dispensing feature 70. Theillustrated dispenser pattern 100 also includes a fold line 73, a curvedfold line 77, and slits 78 respectively extending from the two ends ofthe curved fold line 77 to the tear line 75. The lines 73, 77 define apulling tab 74 in the dispensing feature 70. The portion of thedispensing feature 70 that is surrounded by cut lines 71 and the foldline 73 forms an extension pulling tab 72 that is an extension of thepulling tab 74.

Cut outs 84 a-g are respectively formed between each retaining panel andassociated side panel. Compressing cut outs 82 a-f are respectivelyformed in the inner bottom panel 30 and the outer bottom panel 40 alongfold lines 33 and 45. The compressing cut outs 82 a-f can receive theheels of the containers C retained in the erected carrier 150. A viewingaperture 80 can be formed in the blank 8 by removing a portion of theouter bottom panel 40. Apertures 80 a, 80 b can also be formed in thetop panel 20 (shown in FIG. 13) or in the first side panel 50 (notshown).

An exemplary method of erecting the carrier 150 will now be discussedwith reference to FIGS. 2-4. FIG. 2 illustrates an initial step inerection of the carrier package 150, in which containers C are placedtop side down on the interior side of the top panel 20 of the blank 8.Referring to FIG. 3, the side panels 50, 60 are then folded upwardlytoward the containers C. As the side panels 50, 60 are folded upwardly,the tuck-in panels 52 a, 52 b, 62 a, 62 b are tucked inwardly about thefold lines 51 a, 51 b, 61 a, 61 b respectively. At the same time and asa result, the retaining panels 54 a, 54 b, 56 a, 56 b, 64 a, 64 b, 66 a,66 b are drawn inwardly so as to respectively partially wrap aroundportions of the containers C and to form gussets. After the outer bottompanel 40 is secured to the inner bottom panel 30 as discussed below, thetuck-in panels 52 a, 52 b, 62 a, 62 b and retaining panels 54 a, 54 b,56 a, 56 b, 64 a, 64 b, 66 a, 66 b are held in place by virtue of thetuck-in panels 52 a, 52 b, 62 a, 62 b being respectively sandwichedbetween the cans C and the side panels 50, 60.

Referring to FIG. 4, the outer bottom panel 40 is secured to the innerbottom panel 30 by first respectively engaging primary male locking tabs48 a, 48 b, 48 c with primary female locking edges 38 a, 38 b, 38 c. Themale locking flaps 42 a, 42 b, 42 c are respectively inserted through,and cooperatively interact with, the slits 32 a, 32 b, 32 c to furthersecure the outer bottom panel 40 to the inner bottom panel 30. Thesecured together inner bottom panel 30 and outer bottom panel 40 form abottom panel 125. The heels of containers C are respectively associatedwith the compressing cut outs 82 a-f to allow tighter wrapping of thecarrier package 150 around containers C.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the erected carrier package 150. As shown inFIG. 5, when the tuck-in panel 52 a is folded inwardly about the foldline 51 a, the retaining panels 54 a, 56 a respectively abut thecontainers C adjacent thereto and form a pair of gussets 54 a, 56 a.When the tuck-in panel 62 a is folded inwardly about the fold line 61 a,the retaining panels 64 a, 66 a respectively abut the adjacentcontainers C and form a pair of gussets 64 a, 66 a. The gussets 54 a, 64a secure the top portion of the containers C from the front end. Thegussets 56 a, 66 a secure the bottom portion of the containers C fromthe front end. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the erected carrier package 150.As shown in FIG. 6, when the tuck-in panel 52 b is folded inwardly aboutthe fold line 51 b, the retaining panels 54 b, 56 b respectively abutthe adjacent containers C and form a pair of gussets 54 b, 56 b. Whenthe tuck-in panel 62 b is folded inwardly about the fold line 61 b, theretaining panels 64 b, 66 b respectively abut the adjacent containers Cand form a pair of gussets 64 b, 66 b. The upper gussets 54 b, 64 bsecure the top portion of the containers C from the rear end. The lowergussets 56 b, 66 b secure the bottom portion of the containers C fromthe rear end.

FIGS. 7-9 are perspective views of the erected carrier package 150. InFIG. 7, the carrier package 150 rests on its bottom panel 125. In FIG.8, the carrier package 150 rests on its first side panel 50 with thedispensing feature 70 facing upwardly. The dispensing panel 70 isdefined by the dispenser pattern 100. The containers C are retained bygussets 64 a, 66 a, 54 a, 56 a from the front end, and by gussets 64 b,66 b, 54 b, 56 b from the rear end.

An exemplary method of opening of the dispensing feature 70 will now bediscussed with reference to FIGS. 10-12. In FIG. 10, the carrier package150 rests on the first side panel 50. A user starts to open thedispensing feature 70 by pulling the pulling tab 74 and the extensionpulling tab 72 outwardly. FIG. 11 illustrates the dispensing feature 70being further pulled away from the carrier 150. FIG. 12 illustrates thedispensing feature 70 being completely removed with the containers Cretained within the carrier package 150.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the carrier package150 can be opened to allow dispensing of individual containers in acontrolled manner. In addition, because the carrier is wrapped verytightly around the containers, the package allows for efficient use ofshipping, storage, and display space.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a blank 208 used to form a carrier packageaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention. The secondembodiment of the present invention is like the first embodiment of thepresent invention, except for variations noted and variations that willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of thisdisclosure. The dispensing panel of the second embodiment of the presentinvention is different from the dispensing panel in the first embodimentof the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, the dispensing panel 270has the pulling tab 274 but does not include the extension pulling tab72 (FIG. 1). The pulling tab 274 is defined by a portion of the cut line275 and the curved fold line 277. Referring to FIG. 13, in addition toaperture 80, there are two additional apertures 80 a, 80 b. Theapertures 80 a, 80 b are each shown to be removably obstructed by aflap, but the apertures as well as the flaps covering them are optional.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a blank 408 used to form a wrap-around carrierpackage 550 (illustrated in FIGS. 15-18) according to a third embodimentof the present invention. The blank 408 of the third embodiment isidentical to the blank 8 of the first embodiment, which is illustratedin FIG. 1, except for variations noted and variations that will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of thisdisclosure. Some of the features of the third embodiment that have somegeneral similarity to, or are identical to, features of the firstembodiment are respectively identified with the same reference numbersexcept that four hundred has been added to the subject reference numbersof the third embodiment.

The locking system of the third embodiment of the present invention isdifferent from the locking system in the first embodiment of the presentinvention. On a related note and for example, the carrier 550 formedfrom the blank 408 includes divider guards 128 a, 128 b (FIGS. 16 and17) that serve to further retain containers C within the carrier 550.

As shown in FIG. 14, the blank 408 comprises a first or inner bottompanel 430 foldably connected to a first side panel 50 at a fold line 33,a top panel 20 foldably connected to the first side panel 50 at a foldline 25, a second side panel 60 foldably connected to the top panel 20at a fold line 29, and a second or outer bottom panel 440 foldablyconnected to the second side panel 60 at a fold line 45.

The inner bottom panel 430 includes cutouts forming primary femalelocking edges 438 a, 438 b, 438 c that are adapted to engage primarymale locking tabs 448 a, 448 b, 448 c respectively on the outer bottompanel 440. The inner bottom panel 430 also includes slits 432 a, 432 b,432 c adapted to respectively receive secondary male locking flaps 442a, 442 b, 442 c extending from the outer bottom panel 440. The outerbottom panel 440 includes a fold line 447 which is interrupted by theslits that define the primary male locking tabs 448 a, 448 b, 448 c. Thesecondary male locking flaps 442 a, 442 b, 442 c are connected along theinterrupted fold line 447 and each flap includes an intermediate foldline 443 a-c.

Primary female locking edges 438 a proximate the front end of the blank408 and primary locking edge 438 b proximate the rear end of the blank408 respectively have flaps 120 a and 120 b associated therewith. Theflaps 120 a and 120 b are separated from the inner bottom panel 430 bycut lines 127 a and 127 b respectively and are foldably connected to theinner bottom panel 430 at fold lines 121 a and 121 b, respectively. Onflap 120 a, two additional fold lines 123 a and 125 a converge at a slit113 a, generally forming a triangle with the fold line 121 a. On flap120 b, two additional fold lines 123 b and 125 b converge at a slit 113b, generally forming a triangle with the fold line 121 b. The malelocking flap 442 a has two asymmetrical edges 112 a and 114 a. The malelocking flap 442 b has two asymmetrical edges 112 b and 114 b.

When the carrier 550 is erected, the flaps 120 a, 120 b are foldedinwardly so that they each engage a respective outer pair of thecontainers C, and at least the male locking flaps 442 a, 442 b arefolded about ninety degrees about their fold lines 443 a, 443 b so thatthe locking flaps 442 a, 442 b respectively extend between adjacentcontainers C. Each of the flaps 120 a, 120 b will respectively engagelower portions of two adjacent cans, as illustrated in at least FIGS. 16and 17. Typically the male locking flap 442 c is also folded aboutninety degrees about its fold line 443 c so that the locking flap 442 cextends between the interior pair of adjacent containers C. The erectedcarrier 550 is held closed, in part, by the edge 114 b of the malelocking flap 442 b engaging the inner bottom panel 430 proximate acurved end portion of the slit 432 b, the edges 115 a, 115 b of the malelocking flap 442 respectively engaging the inner bottom panel 430proximate the opposite curved end portions of the slit 432 c, and theedge 114 a of the male locking flap 442 a engaging the inner bottompanel 430 proximate an end portion of the slit 432. The edges 112 a and112 b respectively of the male locking flaps 442 a, 442 b respectivelyengage with the slits 113 a and 113 b of the flaps 120 a, 120 b tosecure the flaps in their erected positions and thereby form dividerguards 128 a (shown in FIGS. 16 and 18) and 128 b (shown in FIG. 17)respectively. The edges 112 a and 112 b of the male locking flaps 442 a,442 b can be at least somewhat hook-shaped to enhance their respectiveholding of the flaps 120 a, 120 b in their erected positions to therebyform the divider guards 128 a, 128 b

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the carrier package 550 erected fromthe blank 408. The outer bottom panel 440 engages the inner bottom panel430 to form a bottom panel 525. Erecting the divider guards 128 a and128 b leaves apertures 88 a and 88 b respectively in the bottom panel525. The fold lines 443 a, 443 b, 443 c are in line with slits 432 a,432 b, 432 c, to facilitate the male locking flaps 442 a, 442 b, 442 cbeing erected to be upright or substantially perpendicular to the bottompanel 525.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate opposite ends of the carrier package 550showing the divider guards 128 a and 128 b respectively. The dividerguards 128 a and 128 b in the carrier package 550 further restrain thecontainers C so the containers C can be dispensed in a controlledmanner.

FIG. 18 illustrates the carrier package 550 in its dispensingconfiguration. As shown in FIG. 18, the edge 112 a of erected malelocking flap 442 a extends into the slit 113 a to engage and secure theflap 120 a to thereby form the divider guard 128 a. This arrangementillustrated in FIG. 18 is representative of the manner in which the edge112 b of the erected male locking flap 442 b engages with respect to theslit 113 b in the flap 120 b to form the divider guard 128 b.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of a blank 608 used to form a wrap-around carrierpackage 750 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.The fourth embodiment of the present invention is like the firstembodiment of the present invention, except for variations noted andvariations that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artin view of this disclosure. Some of the features of the fourthembodiment that have some general similarity to, or are identical to,features of the first embodiment are respectively identified with thesame reference numbers except that six hundred has been added toselected reference numbers of the fourth embodiment.

The fourth embodiment of the present invention has cut lines 23 and 43respectively in the top panel 20 and bottom panel 40 of the blank 608,to define push-in tabs 24 and 44. The carrier 750 formed from the blank608 includes the push-in tabs 24 and 44 because they further retaincontainers C within the carrier 750.

In accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention, thecut lines 23 and 43 do not extend all the way to the rear edge of theblank 608. That is, the opposite ends of each of the cut lines 23 and 43terminate proximate, yet distant from, the rear edge of the blank 608.In accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention, foldlines 131 and 133 respectively extend from the opposite ends of the cutline 23 to the rear edge of the blank 608, and fold lines 135 and 137respectively extend from the opposite ends of the cut line 43 to therear edge of the blank 608. The push-in tab 24 is foldably connected tothe top panel 20 at fold lines 131 and 133. The push-in tab 44 isfoldably connected to the outer bottom panel 40 at fold lines 135 and137.

FIG. 20 illustrates the two push-in tabs 24 and 44 respectivelyrestraining the top and bottom portions of containers C. FIG. 21 is arear view of the erected carrier package 750 showing the two push-intabs 24 and 44. FIG. 22 illustrates carrier package 750 resting on itsfirst side panel 50, so that the push-in tab 44 on the bottom panel 40is seen. FIG. 23 illustrates the carrier package 750 after thedispensing feature 70 (FIGS. 19, 21 and 22) has been removed.

FIG. 24 is a plan view of a blank 808 used to form a wrap-around carrierpackage 950 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.The fifth embodiment of the present invention is like the firstembodiment of the present invention, except for variations noted andvariations that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artin view of this disclosure. Some of the features of the fifth embodimentthat have some general similarity to, or are identical to, features ofthe first embodiment are respectively identified with the same referencenumbers except that eight hundred has been added to selected referencenumbers of the fifth embodiment.

The fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a drop downgusset 90. More specifically, the carrier 950 formed from the blank 808includes the drop down gusset 90 to further retain containers C withinthe carrier 950.

The blank 808 comprises a first or inner bottom panel 30 foldablyconnected to a first side panel 50 at a fold line 33, a top panel 820foldably connected to the first side panel 50 at a fold line 25, asecond side panel 60 foldably connected to the top panel 820 at a foldline 29, and a second or outer bottom panel 40 foldably connected to thesecond side panel 60 at a fold line 45. The top panel 820 has truncatedcorners defined by fold lines 59 a, 63 a, 859 b and 863 b respectively.A portion of the top panel 820 defined by the area between the foldlines 859 b and 863 b is separated from the top panel 820 by a cut line27 and forms the drop down gusset 90. In accordance with the fifthembodiment of the present invention, the cut line 27 is a slit in thetop panel 820 that extends continuously between the fold lines 25, 29 byway of which the top panel 820 is respectively foldably connected to theside panels 50, 60.

A first rear tuck-in panel 852 b is foldably connected to the rear endof the first side panel 50 at a fold line 551 b. A second rear tuck-inpanel 862 b is foldably connected to the rear end of the second sidepanel 60 at a fold line 661 b.

The area between the first rear tuck-in panel 852 b and the drop downgusset 90 is divided into two foldably connected portions 92 and 94along a fold line 91. The portion 92 is foldably connected to the firstrear tuck-in panel 852 b at a fold line 857 b. The portion 94 isfoldably connected to the drop down gusset 90 at the fold line 859 b.Similarly, The area between the drop down gusset 90 and the second reartuck-in panel 862 b is divided into two foldably connected portions 96and 98 along a fold line 97. The portion 96 is foldably connected to thedrop down gusset 90 at the fold line 863 b. The portion 98 is foldablyconnected to the second rear tuck-in panel 862 b at a fold line 865 b.

Cut out 884 d is formed at an area that is generally between the firstrear tuck-in panel 852 b, the panels 92, 94 and the first side panel 50.Cut out 884 f is formed at an area that is generally between the secondrear tuck-in panel 862 b, the panels 96, 98 and the second side panel60. In addition, cut outs 84 a-c, e, g, h are respectively formedbetween each retaining panel and associated side panel.

As part of erecting the carrier package 950 from the blank 808, thetuck-in panels 852 b, 862 b are respectively tucked inwardly about thefold lines 551 b, 661 a. As part of this process, folding respectivelyoccurs along fold lines 857 b, 91, 859 b, 863 b, 97, 865 b so that thedrop down gusset 90 and portions 92, 94, 96, 98 become arranged asillustrated in FIGS. 25-27.

FIG. 25 is a rear view of a carrier package 950 erected from the blank808 showing the drop down gusset 90. FIG. 26 is a rear perspective viewof the carrier package 950 showing the drop down gusset 90. The dropdown gusset 90 runs across the top of containers C and thus furtherrestrains the containers C. In addition, the drop down gusset 90 as aunique design feature can be utilized to display information. FIG. 27 isa top view of the erected carrier package 950 resting on its first sidepanel, and this view illustrates that the drop down gusset 90 functionto at least partially retain containers C (e.g., FIG. 27) in the carrierpackage 950 after the removal of the dispensing feature 70 (e.g., FIGS.24 and 27). Referring to FIG. 26, the drop down gusset 90 can also befolded inwardly so that the outwardly facing side of the gusset 90 shownin FIG. 26 abuts the containers C.

In summary and generally described, FIGS. 1-12 illustrate a first aspectof the present invention that relates to the dispensing feature 70. FIG.13 illustrates a second aspect of the present invention, wherein thepulling tab of the dispensing feature does not have an extension pullingtab. FIGS. 14-18 illustrate a third aspect of the present invention,wherein an alternative type of locks are used to additionally formdivider guards. FIGS. 19-23 illustrate a fourth aspect of the presentinvention wherein push-in tabs as a portion of the rear ends of the toppanel and the outer bottom panel are used to further secure thecontainers inside the carrier packages. FIGS. 24-27 illustrate a fifthaspect of the present invention wherein a drop down gusset is used tofurther secure the containers inside the carrier package and as a siteto display information. Although specific examples of aspect of thepresent invention are identified in the foregoing, it is to beunderstood that there are other aspects of the present invention. Inaddition, these and other aspects of the present invention can becombined in various combinations to create other blanks and packagesthat are within the scope of the present invention. For example, a blankutilizing locks disclosed in the blank 408 (FIG. 14) can be combinedwith the dispensing feature from the blank 208 (FIG. 13) and can alsohave the drop down gusset feature from the blank 808 (FIG. 24), with therest of the features being the same as in the blank 8 (FIG. 1). Asanother example, a blank utilizing the drop down gusset feature from theblank 808 (FIG. 24) can be combined with a push-in tab on the outerbottom panel as in the blank 608 (FIG. 19), with the rest of thefeatures being the same as in the blank 8.

It is also understood that although only exemplary types of lockingsystems are discussed in the specification, the inner bottom panel andthe outer bottom panel can be locked together using other known lockingsystems. Although pluralities of cut outs, panels, gussets, fold lines,flaps, slits, cuts, or openings may appear identical in size in theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the sizes of the cutouts, panels, gussets, fold lines, flaps, slits, cuts, or openings canvary.

In the above embodiments, the carrier packages are shown asaccommodating beverage containers. Other types of containers, however,can be accommodated within a carrier package according to the presentinvention. The dimensions of the blank 8 may also be altered, forexample, to accommodate various container forms. In addition, variousnumbers of containers C can be accommodated in a carrier packageaccording to principles of the present invention, for example, byadjusting the size of the blank 8. For example, the top panel 20 and thefirst and second bottom panel 50, 60 can be enlarged or reduced in orderto accommodate additional or less containers C. In one such embodiment,a carrier may be constructed to accommodate four containers arranged intwo columns and two rows (2×2). In another embodiment, a carrier may beconstructed that accommodates eight containers arranged in two columnsand four rows (2×4). In a preferred embodiment, a carrier may beconstructed that accommodates six contains arranged in two columns andthree rows (2×3).

The blanks according to the present invention can be, for example,formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, theinterior and/or exterior sides of the blanks can be coated with a claycoating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product,advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blanksmay then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed onthe blanks. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisturebarrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, the blanks may beconstructed of paperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and morerigid than ordinary paper. The blanks can also be constructed of othermaterials, such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material havingproperties suitable for enabling the carrier package to function atleast generally as described above. The blanks can also be laminated toor coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels orpanel sections. Also according to the first embodiment, the carrier canbe constructed from a blank that occupies less area than conventionalcarriers, and the blank may be stagger nested with similar blanks duringproduction.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, afold line can be any at least somewhat line-like arranged, although notnecessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates foldingtherealong; and a tear line can be any at least somewhat line-likearranged, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening thatfacilitates tearing therealong. More specifically, but not for thepurpose of narrowing the scope of the present invention, conventionalfold lines include: a crease, such as formed by folding; a score line,such as formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates acrushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; aslit that extends partially into the material along the desired line ofweakness, and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partiallyinto and/or completely through the material along the desired line ofweakness; or various combinations of these features. More specifically,but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present invention,conventional tear lines include: a slit that extends partially into thematerial along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of spacedapart slits that extend partially into and/or completely through thematerial along the desired line of weakness, or various combinations ofthese features.

As a more specific example, one type of conventional tear line is in theform of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completely throughthe material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that anick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) isdefined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connectingthe material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearingalong the tear line. The nicks typically are a relatively smallpercentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omittedfrom or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cutline. That is, it is within the scope of the present invention for eachof the tear lines to be replaced with a continuous slit, or the like.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that while the presentinvention has been discussed above with reference to exemplaryembodiments, various additions, modifications and changes can be madethereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asset forth in the following claims.

1. A carrier package, comprising: a carrier, comprising a top panel, afirst side panel adjacent to the top panel, a second side panel adjacentto the top panel and disposed on a side of the carrier package oppositeto the first side panel, a bottom panel adjacent to each of the firstand second side panels and opposite from the top panel, a first uppergusset at least partially closing an upper part of a first end of thecarrier, a first lower gusset at least partially closing a lower part ofthe first end of the carrier, a second upper gusset at least partiallyclosing an upper part of a second end of the carrier, a second lowergusset at least partially closing a lower part of the second end of thecarrier, and a dispenser pattern extending at least partially across atleast one panel selected from the group consisting of the side panelsand the top panel, with the dispenser pattern defining a dispenser flapthat is at least partially removable from a remainder of the carrier sothat a dispenser opening is defined by the remainder of the carrier inresponse to the dispenser flap having been at least partially removedfrom the remainder of the carrier; and a plurality of containers locatedwithin the carrier, wherein the dispenser flap is configured so thatwhen the dispenser flap is at least partially removed so that thedispenser opening is defined by the remainder of the carrier, thecontainers can be dispensed through a dispenser opening in the carrier.2. The carrier package according to claim 1, wherein the dispenserpattern comprises at least one tear line extending at least partiallyacross the at least one panel.
 3. The carrier package according to claim1, wherein the dispenser pattern extends at least partially across eachof the side panels and the top panel.
 4. The carrier package accordingto claim 1, further comprising a retention panel, wherein the carrierincludes opposite first and second ends that are each open, theretention panel extends completely across the first end, and thedispenser flap is adjacent the second end.
 5. The carrier packageaccording to claim 1, further comprising a retention flap that is not incontact with either of the first and second side panels and extendsdownwardly from the top panel to partially obstruct an open end of thecarrier.
 6. The carrier package according to claim 1, further comprisinga retention flap that is not in contact with either of the first andsecond side panels and extends upwardly from the bottom panel topartially obstruct an open end of the carrier.
 7. A blank for erectinginto a wrap-around carrier, the blank comprising: a top panel; a firstside panel foldably connected to the top panel; a second side panel thatis opposite from the first side panel and is foldably connected to thetop panel; a first bottom panel foldably connected to the first sidepanel; and a second bottom panel foldably connected to the second sidepanel, wherein the first bottom panel and the second bottom panel arefor being secured together when the blank is erected into thewrap-around carrier, and wherein a dispenser pattern extends at leastpartially across at least two panels selected from the group consistingof the side panels and the top panel, with the dispenser patterndefining a dispenser flap for being at least partially removable from aremainder of the blank.
 8. The blank according to claim 7, wherein thedispenser pattern comprises at least one tear line extending at leastpartially across the at least two panels.
 9. The blank according toclaim 7, wherein the dispenser pattern extends at least partially acrosseach of the side panels and the top panel.
 10. The blank according toclaim 7, wherein the first bottom panel includes securing features foroperatively interacting with securing features of the second bottompanel to secure the first and second bottom panels together when theblank is erected into the wrap-around carrier.
 11. The blank accordingto claim 10, wherein: the securing features of the first bottom panelincludes at least one locking flap, and the securing features of thesecond bottom panel include at least one opening for at least partiallyholding the locking flap.
 12. The blank according to claim 1 1, furthercomprising at least one retaining flap in the second bottom panel,wherein the retaining flap is for being held in an erected configurationby the locking flap when the carrier is erected from the blank.
 13. Theblank according to claim 7, further comprising a push-in tab defined byat least one cut in a rear end of the top panel.
 14. The blank accordingto claim 7, further comprising a push-in tab defined by at least one cutin a rear end of the top panel.
 15. The blank according to claim 7,further comprising: a first front tuck-in panel connected to a front endof the first side panel; a first rear tuck-in panel connected to a rearend of the first side panel; a second front tuck-in panel connected to afront end of the second side panel; a second rear tuck-in panelconnected to a rear end of the second side panel; a first frontretaining panel foldably connected between the first front tuck-in paneland a right front truncated corner of the first bottom panel; a firstrear retaining panel foldably connected between the first rear tuck-inpanel and a right rear truncated corner of the first bottom panel; asecond front retaining panel foldably connected between the first fronttuck-in panel and a left front truncated corner of the top panel; asecond rear retaining panel foldably connected between the first reartuck-in panel and a left rear truncated corner of the top panel; a thirdfront retaining panel foldably connected between the second fronttuck-in panel and a right front truncated corner of the top panel; athird rear retaining panel foldably connected between the second reartuck-in panel and a right rear truncated corner of the top panel and; aforth front retaining panel foldably connected between the second fronttuck-in panel and a left front truncated corner of the second bottompanel; and a fourth rear retaining panel foldably connected between thesecond rear tuck-in panel and a left rear truncated corner of the secondbottom panel.
 16. The blank according to claim 15, further comprising adividing fold line that divides the second rear retaining panel into twofoldably connected portions along the dividing fold line.
 17. The blankaccording to claim 15, further comprising a dividing fold line thatdivides the third rear retaining panel into two foldably connectedportions along the dividing fold line.
 18. The blank according to claim15, further comprising a cut line separating a portion of the top paneldefined by the area between the second rear retaining panel and thethird rear retaining panel from the top panel to form a drop downgusset.
 19. A carrier package, comprising: a carrier, comprising a toppanel, a first side panel adjacent to the top panel, a second side paneladjacent to the top panel and disposed on a side of the carrier packageopposite to the first side panel, a bottom panel adjacent to each of thefirst and second side panels and opposite from the top panel, the bottompanel comprising a first bottom panel joined to a second bottom panel byat least primary male and primary female locking elements, at least onefirst gusset at least partially closing a first end of the carrier, atleast one second gusset at least partially closing a second end of thecarrier, and a dispenser pattern extending at least partially across atleast one of the side panels and the top panel, with the dispenserpattern defining a dispenser flap that is at least partially removablefrom a remainder of the carrier so that a dispenser opening is definedby the remainder of the carrier in response to the dispenser flap havingbeen at least partially removed from the remainder of the carrier; and aplurality of containers located within the carrier, wherein thedispenser flap is configured so that when the dispenser flap is at leastpartially removed, the containers can be dispensed through the dispenseropening.
 20. The carrier package according to claim 19, wherein thefirst and second bottom panels are further secured by secondary male andsecondary female locking elements.
 21. The carrier package according toclaim 19, wherein the dispenser pattern comprises at least one tear lineextending at least partially across the at least one panel.
 22. Thecarrier package according to claim 19, wherein the dispenser patternextends at least partially across each of the side panels and the toppanel.
 23. The carrier package according to claim 19, further comprisinga retention panel, wherein the carrier includes opposite first andsecond ends that are each open, the retention panel extends completelyacross the first end, and the dispenser flap is adjacent the second end.24. The carrier package according to claim 19, further comprising aretention flap that is not in contact with either of the first andsecond side panels and extends downwardly from the top panel topartially obstruct an open end of the carrier.
 25. The carrier packageaccording to claim 19, further comprising a retention flap that is notin contact with either of the first and second side panels and extendsupwardly from the bottom panel to partially obstruct an open end of thecarrier.
 26. A carrier package, comprising: a carrier, comprising a toppanel, a first side panel adjacent to the top panel, a second side paneladjacent to the top panel and disposed on a side of the carrier packageopposite to the first side panel, a bottom panel adjacent to each of thefirst and second side panels and opposite from the top panel, the bottompanel comprising a first bottom panel joined to a second bottom panel byat least primary male and primary female locking elements, at least onefirst gusset at least partially closing a first end of the carrier, atleast one second gusset at least partially closing a second end of thecarrier, and a retention panel, wherein the carrier includes oppositefirst and second ends that are each open, and the retention panelextends completely across the first end; and a plurality of containerslocated within the carrier.
 27. The carrier package according to claim26, wherein the first and second bottom panels are further secured bysecondary male and secondary female locking elements.
 28. A carrierpackage, comprising: a carrier, comprising a top panel, a first sidepanel adjacent to the top panel, a second side panel adjacent to the toppanel and disposed on a side of the carrier package opposite to thefirst side panel, a bottom panel adjacent to each of the first andsecond side panels and opposite from the top panel, the bottom panelcomprising a first bottom panel joined to a second bottom panel by atleast primary male and primary female locking elements, at least onefirst gusset at least partially closing a first end of the carrier, atleast one second gusset at least partially closing a second end of thecarrier, and a retention flap that is not in contact with either of thefirst and second side panels and extends downwardly from the top panelto partially obstruct an open end of the carrier; and a plurality ofcontainers located within the carrier.
 29. The carrier package accordingto claim 28, wherein the first and second bottom panels are furthersecured by secondary male and secondary female locking elements.
 30. Acarrier package, comprising: a carrier, comprising a top panel, a firstside panel adjacent to the top panel, a second side panel adjacent tothe top panel and disposed on a side of the carrier package opposite tothe first side panel, a bottom panel adjacent to each of the first andsecond side panels and opposite from the top panel, the bottom panelcomprising a first bottom panel joined to a second bottom panel by atleast primary male and primary female locking elements, at least onefirst gusset at least partially closing a first end of the carrier, atleast one second gusset at least partially closing a second end of thecarrier, and a retention flap that is not in contact with either of thefirst and second side panels and extends upwardly from the bottom panelto partially obstruct an open end of the carrier; and a plurality ofcontainers located within the carrier.
 31. The carrier package accordingto claim 30, wherein the first and second bottom panels are furthersecured by secondary male and secondary female locking elements.